Cognitive Behavorial Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treats the emotional and mental elements of an eating disorder by engaging the client in specific activities such as:
  • keeping a diary of what she eats and when; when she binge eats; purges; uses laxatives or other pharmacological products
  • helps her to know her triggers.
  • understand her emotions and develop new responses to those emotions i.e. go for a walk vs eating
  • how to let go of self-defeating thought patterns and improve mood.
  • how to handle day to day stressors
  • teaches relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation
  • challenges incorrect beliefs about symptoms. Example: I binge eat because I am a food addict

CBT, is most effective when the client and counsellor work together toward common goals and when used over the long-term. Research suggest CBT is more effective in treating bulimia nervosa rather than anorexia nervosa and binge eating (NOS) disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000)